Victims of Crime (U VISA)

What is a U Visa?

The U Visa is designed to offer protection to victims of certain crimes who have suffered physical or mental abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. This visa is intended to help you stay in the United States, even if you are undocumented, and work towards healing from the trauma you’ve experienced. The purpose of the U Visa is to ensure that victims are not afraid to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement by offering them legal protection and the opportunity to stay in the U.S. while they work through their legal matters.

Who Can Apply for a U Visa?

The U Visa offers protection to individuals who have been victims of qualifying criminal activity and have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. If you’ve been a victim of a violent or abusive crime and have assisted or are willing to assist law enforcement, you may be eligible for the U Visa.

Qualifying Crimes for the U Visa

The following criminal activities qualify for a U Visa:

• Abusive Sexual Contact
• Attempted Murder
• Domestic Violence
• Felonious Assault
• Female Genital Mutilation
• Human Trafficking (Labor or Sex)
• Incest
• Kidnapping
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Obstruction of Justice
• Peonage
• Perjury
• Prostitution
• Rape
• Sexual Assault
• Sexual Exploitation of Children
• Slave Trade
• Stalking
• Torture
• Trafficking
• Unlawful Criminal Restraint
• Witness Tampering
• Other Related Crimes

If you have been a victim of one of these crimes and have been helpful to law enforcement, or are willing to assist in the investigation or prosecution, the U Visa may be your path to safety and legal status in the U.S.

How Does the U Visa Work?

The U Visa is a tool that encourages cooperation between crime victims and law enforcement by offering protection to those who might otherwise fear deportation. The process involves filing a petition with USCIS and providing evidence of your cooperation with law enforcement. In some cases, law enforcement will submit a certification form to confirm your assistance.

If granted the U Visa, you can live and work legally in the United States for up to four years. After three years of being in the U.S. with a U Visa, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (a Green Card). Additionally, if you are granted a U Visa, certain family members may also be eligible for derivative status, allowing them to stay with you in the U.S. during your recovery.

If you’ve been a victim of a violent crime and have assisted or are willing to assist law enforcement, the U Visa could offer you the opportunity to find safety, healing, and a chance to move forward with your life in the U.S. This visa provides protection to those who have suffered but are willing to help in the pursuit of justice.

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